Tips for Creating a Quality Video Submission

• Choose a well-lit space. Light should highlight your face and not the back of your head.
Natural light is best. If necessary, add a lamp or two to better light your face.
• Select a room with well-balanced acoustics and without much echo so your voice and
diction are recorded clearly.
• If possible, use a tripod or stand to stabilize your video recording device.
• Check the view from your camera. If using a smart device to record, a better-quality
video is captured by using the rear-facing camera instead of the front-facing camera. Be
sure your whole body is in the frame AND the camera is close enough to capture your
facial expressions. Judges will be evaluating beauty of voice, technical skill, musicality,
accuracy, and presentation.
• If you’re using a pre-recorded accompaniment track, the track should be played on a
separate device than the video recording device. Be sure the sound level of the
accompaniment track is balanced with the sound level of your voice.
• Eliminate background noise when recording - air conditioner, fan, running dishwasher,
phone/computer notifications, etc.
• Do a test run-through of several phrases of your song(s). Listen/watch back to make sure
you are in the frame and the sound is not distorted in any way.
• Dress as you would for a live competition. We recommend you look your best! Formal
wear is not necessary.
• When you are ready to record, begin each video by slating with your name and the
selection you are performing.
o For example: Hello, my name is Kathrin Thawley. I will be singing Caro mio ben
by Giuseppe Giordani.
• In each video, perform your piece straight through from beginning to end without
stopping.
• Please note: Selections must be memorized. Do not include any other information in your
videos (age, year in school, where you’re from, etc). Editing, mixing, voice amplification,
sound enhancement and the aforementioned are grounds for disqualification.
• Be yourself! Have fun! We can’t wait to see and hear your performance.

Questions:
Please contact Kathrin Thawley, Competition Administrator
youngsingerscomp@uky.edu